Making a report

Reporting an incident of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or harassment, does NOT require you to pursue charges criminal charges or Middlebury's disciplinary process. The legal system and Middlebury's disciplinary process are independent of one another, so you can choose to report to one or both entities. It is important to understand that when a "non-confidential" staff or faculty member is notified of behavior that may constitute harassment, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or related retaliation involving a student they are obligated to report the matter to Middlebury's Human Relations Officer, Judicial Affairs Officer, or the Title IX Coordinator. Middlebury will take reasonable, prompt and appropriate action to respond to such reports where the alleged conduct impacts or has the potential to impact the educational, residential, or employment environment of any member of the Middlebury community.

Reporting on campus

Reports can be taken immediately after an experience which is recommended, but can also be taken weeks or even months afterward

Reports can be made at the DPS office at 125 South Street or at a campus location of your choice

As a survivor you will not be charged with policy violations related to alcohol or drugs if they have been consumed

DPS can offer transportation to Parton Center for Health and Wellness or Porter Medical Center

If the other person is a Middlebury student a no contact order can be issued through DPS which requires the discontinuation of all contact between both parties including electronic communication and through third parties

Reporting a sexual assault to Public Safety does not commit you to pursuing a judicial complaint. Your report will be shared with your Commons dean, but neither they nor Public Safety will take any action on your behalf without your consent unless your safety or the safety of others is clearly in jeopardy. If the event reported may constitute sexual harassment, the Human Relations Officer (HRO) will also be notified. Please read Middlebury's Anti-harassment/Discrimination Policy, and note that in cases of harassment, once informed, the College is obligated to take action to make the harassment stop.

You can meet with or report to any dean with whom you feel comfortable (you do not have to meet with the dean from your Commons)

Reporting a sexual assault to Public Safety does not commit you to pursuing a judicial complaint. Your report will be shared with your Commons dean, but neither they nor Public Safety will take any action on your behalf without your consent unless your safety or the safety of others is clearly in jeopardy. If the event reported may constitute sexual harassment, the Human Relations Officer (HRO) will also be notified. Please read Middlebury's Anti-harassment/Discrimination Policy, and note that in cases of harassment, once informed, the College is obligated to take action to make the harassment stop.

Human Relations Officer 443-3289 If you think you may be experiencing sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, you may talk with the Human Relations Officer, Sue Ritter. She can provide information about immediate support, filing a report, and the options available to you for addressing your situation.

Judicial Affairs Officer 443-2024Associate Dean for Judicial Affairs and Student Life Karen Guttentag is available to advise you about Middlebury's Policy Against Sexual Misconduct, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking Policy and process, and about your rights. She is available to meet with students who wish to better understand this process and/or consider filing a complaint; however, this meeting does not obligate you to pursue a complaint.

Reporting off campus

We encourage students who have been sexually assaulted to seriously consider filing criminal charges. The state agencies below oversee this process.

Middlebury Police Department 388-3191 Vermont State Police388-4919If the incident took place here in Middlebury and you wish to file charges off campus, you can contact the Middlebury Police Department. If it took place elsewhere in Vermont, you should contact the Vermont State Police. In Vermont, reporting the assault to the police will result in an investigation of the crime. Police will interview you and take a detailed statement of what occurred. You may choose to have people present with you during the interview to provide emotional support. The police will also interview witnesses, collect any physical evidence, and attempt to interview the assailant.

Addison County State’s Attorney’s Office388-7931The State's Attorney's Office can provide you with more information regarding your rights during a criminal judicial process and the Victim's Advocacy Program and Victim's Compensation Fund.